Google China web searches: "stock" beats "sex"

"On the Chinese mainland, it was money and technology that took the honors last year," the China Daily said, pointing out that "sex" was the most popular keyword for Google users in some other countries.

Fourth on the list was "stock", not surprising with Shanghai shares having risen 97 percent last year. At number 1 was "QQ", a Chinese instant message service and a brand of car.

China's Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and Banking Regulatory Commission ranked first, third and fifth in the "Most Popular Departments" list, the Web site said.